Cost is $25, with scholarship opportunities available. Pre-registration is required. All sessions offer hands-on learning opportunities. All instructors are Wildlife Commission employees or Hunter Education Program instructors with training and expertise in the session topics.

“Women ages 18 and up who would like to try these basic outdoor skills are encouraged to register,” said B.B. Gillen, BOW program coordinator. “No prior experience is needed.”

Gillen said that Lake Townsend was chosen as the site for the workshop because of its location near Greensboro and because the Lake Townsend Marina features not only a boat ramp and boat docks for the boating session, but also because it features a handicapped-accessible pier for the fishing session.

“As a bonus, Lake Townsend Park Superintendent Clint Richardson will be teaching one of the sessions,” Gillen said. “He’s helped the Wildlife Commission as a hunter education instructor for many years, and he’s an awesome fellow to have teaching these classes — a real ‘jack of all trades.’”

Program materials and equipment will be provided. Snacks and water will be furnished. Workshop attendees must bring a bag lunch.

“The workshop will be held rain or shine, so bring sunscreen and rain gear,” Gillen said. “Polarized sunglasses are recommended for on-the-water activities, and it’s never a bad idea to have a comfortable hat and insect repellant for outdoor activities.”

For more information or to register, contact Gillen at 919-218-3638 or bb.gillen@ncwildlife.org.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is an international program for women, 18 and older, to learn outdoor skills through hands-on experiences in a variety of outdoor instructional activities, such as archery, paddling, wildlife photography, outdoor cooking, target shooting and motorboat safety. In North Carolina, the program is administered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.